Forensic anthropology library program set

Bones can tell a lot about a person's life.

Looking at a person's bones is a way to tell if they had diseases, breaks or other lifestyle issues that may have impacted their life.

Residents who would like to learn more about bones will want to attend local geologist and anthropologist Charlie Love's upcoming program at the Sweetwater County Library.

On Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Love will present "Snaggle-Tooth Sal: Who Was That Lady?" The free program focuses on forensic anthropology.

"It's the study of bones and what they tell us about the life the individual led," Love said.

During his presentation, Love will show the bones of a woman he has nicknamed "Snaggle-Tooth Sal." "She's the only woman who has stuck by me for all these years," he quipped.

Snaggle-Tooth Sal's bones tell a lot about her life. "She lived until she was 70, had terrible arthritis, broke her leg badly, limped and was toothless," Love said. "How would you have survived if you were her?"

Love will also bring pieces of other skeletons and slides on many South American skeletons and mummies.

Love is an expert in his field. He taught geology and anthropology at Western Wyoming Community College for 40 years.

During his life, he has been involved in two extensive research projects. One involves the archeology of Easter Island.

"I am the oldest, longest-lived archeologist who worked on Easter Island," Love said.

Love said his inspiration for his Easter Island research was Dr. William Mulloy, a professor at the University of Wyoming. Over the years, Love took 27 WWCC students to Easter Island.

Love's other extensive research project is on the death of the Wind River glaciers. He has spent many years monitoring the glaciers.

"They are melting back not because of global warming – though it helps – but because they are not being fed," Love said.

"Our current winter storms are not enough to replenish them."

When it comes to his program, Love said he understands that people will be attending for entertainment, not for a lecture.

"There will not be a quiz at the end," he said.